Federal immigration authorities detained a Guatemalan bakery owner in South Florida despite his pending asylum case, marking a stark departure from previous administrations’ enforcement policies and sending shockwaves through immigrant communities in Lake Worth Beach.

Federal Charges Mount Despite Asylum Request

Jacob Zapeta-Castro, owner of a bakery on Lucerne Avenue, faces federal charges for re-entering the country without consent after previous deportations in 2013 and 2017. Authorities arrested him on July 9 during what ICE described as routine immigration enforcement operations. Federal prosecutors charged him five days later, and he now faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and permanent exclusion from the United States if convicted.

His Miami-based attorney Mark Eiglarsh confirmed that Zapeta-Castro filed an asylum application in 2024, which remains pending before immigration courts. However, the criminal re-entry charge will proceed first. Eiglarsh stated the asylum application cannot serve as a valid defense against the criminal charge but may help secure a better resolution. Both of Zapeta-Castro’s children witnessed the detention, which his attorney described as traumatic for the family.

Policy Shift Under Trump Administration

Immigration attorney Jeffrey Devore explained that previous administrations typically avoided detaining individuals with pending asylum cases. The Trump administration views pending asylum applications differently, taking the position that such applications do not constitute lawful status. This policy change represents a significant shift in federal immigration enforcement priorities, particularly affecting immigrants in the United States without documentation.

The incident began when ICE officers conducting enforcement operations encountered Zapeta-Castro after his truck nearly struck an agent’s vehicle. According to the arrest report, he fled the scene, ran through stop signs, and eventually sought refuge in his bakery. Approximately 45 people gathered outside as agents surrounded the building. Zapeta-Castro surrendered to ICE agents who transported him to a processing facility in Stuart.

Community Impact and Legal Proceedings

West Palm Beach Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart ordered Zapeta-Castro to remain in custody pending trial at his July 17 court appearance. His arraignment is scheduled for July 29. ICE officials confirmed Zapeta-Castro had been deported multiple times and cited a 2012 DUI case in his criminal record. Family members and employees disputed claims he was undocumented, asserting he possessed a valid Social Security number, work permit, and driver’s license at the time of detention.

Lake Worth Beach, home to many recent immigrants from Central and South America and the Caribbean, has felt the impact of Zapeta-Castro’s arrest throughout the community. His nephew Gilbert Zapeta, who manages the bakery and was present during the detention, provided a different account of events, stating his uncle ran inside after spotting immigration officers outside and locked the doors before surrendering.